University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

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The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Description Summary

The Criminology Department at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking a Data Scientist to contribute scientific and intellectual leadership to our work. The role is tied to an exciting collaboration between the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Police Department. In collaboration with the principal investigators, the successful applicant will participate in the planning of independent research, will collect, analyze and interpret data and will serve as a co-author on academic publications arising from the research. The successful applicant may also assist the principal investigators in directing the work of junior research staff.

The anticipated term of the appointment is June 2020 through June 2022.

Job Description

The Data Scientist will be a key member of a team studying the effectiveness of technology and the communication of strategic information in policing.  In collaboration with the principal investigators, the successful applicant will participate in the planning of independent research, will collect, analyze and interpret data and will serve as a co-author on academic publications arising from the research.  The successful applicant may also assist the principal investigators in directing the work of junior research staff.

We anticipate that the Data Scientist will spend, on average, three days per week working closely with the Philadelphia Police Department officers and staff at the Delaware Valley Intelligence Center.  The Data Scientist should feel comfortable working closely with uniformed and civilian police department personnel and should be prepared to take the lead in ensuring the day-to-day success of the research.  Because the applicant will work with sensitive data, s/he will need to pass a standard police department background check.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of two years of data analyst experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's or Ph.D. in criminology, economics, public policy, statistics, computer science, or in another relevant field strongly preferred. The successful candidate will have expertise in all aspects of the research design, methods, and evaluation of research projects in the area of criminal justice policy or a related area of social policy and an interest in finding and testing innovative solutions to urban problems. Preference will be given to those who have proven experience working with complex administrative datasets and who have experience working with interdisciplinary research teams and agency stakeholders.  The applicant should have a demonstrated interest in working closely with a large law enforcement agency.

Working Conditions

Office, Library, Computer Room

Physical Effort

Typically sitting at desk or table

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$50,684.00 - $138,391.00

Affirmative Action Statement 

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.